Fed: AMWU boss backs S 11 s right to protest

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2000
Fed: AMWU boss backs S 11 s right to protest

CANBERRA, Aug 27 AAP - Unions today backed activist group S-11's right to demonstrate
at the World Economic Forum in Melbourne next month, as long as there was no violence
involved.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) said it also planned a rally against
the forum, along with the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Victorian Trades
Hall Council.

AMWU national secretary Doug Cameron said the union did not endorse violence or property
damage, but Australians of all ages had a right to protest.

"Our position is that we support any group's right to demonstrate peacefully and effectively
and I think that is a democratic right in this country," he told the Nine Network.

"We are entitled as part of our democratic right to say `these are closed shops, these
are secret decisions that are being made, they influence government, they influence social
outcomes, we need to talk about that and demonstrate'," he said.

Violent demonstrations against economic rationalism and globalisation marred the World
Economic Forum in Seattle last year and S-11's plans for a mass blockade have raised fears
of a repeat performance.

S-11, named for the September 11 forum start date, describes itself as a network of
organisations, affinity groups, and individuals and opens its website with the slogan
"Seattle + Washington = Melbourne".

Political leaders have also criticised the reported inclusion of school children, but
Mr Cameron said he had no problem with young people joining in.

"I'm sure all our politicians were young activists at times or they wouldn't be where
they are (now)," he said.

"It's not something new for young people to demonstrate and I think young people having
a social conscience is a good thing."

AAP kmh/cd

KEYWORD: FORUM UNIONS

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